ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals’ 2014 coaching staff is now complete after general manager John Mozeliak officially announced the hire of David Bell on Tuesday. Bell will work alongside former teammate John Mabry as the team’s assistant hitting coach.

Bell interviewed for the position after Bengie Molina informed the Cardinals he would be leaving for Texas after one year on manager Mike Matheny’s staff. Bell, 41, was looking to join a new organization after being dismissed as third-base coach when the Cubs decided to name a new manager and staff. Prior to his season in Chicago, Bell served as a Minor League manager in the Reds’ organization for four seasons.

This will be a return to St. Louis for Bell, who was an infielder for the Cardinals from 1995-98.

“I think for all of us who have known him, he understands what Cardinal baseball is all about. So I think that’s just a natural fit,” Mozeliak said. “I always think of that job as one, you have to be a working bee, but also you have to have great appreciation for what the hitting coach is teaching. Hopefully, they can work well together and it can be a collaboration of ideas. But ultimately, you have to respect the philosophy, the stance of the hitting coach. I think in this case, they have a very good rapport, and I imagine it will be a very seamless transition.”

Bell will be the fourth assistant hitting coach the Cardinals have had over the last four seasons. Mabry filled the position in 2012 before being promoted to the top job a year ago.

Bell and Mabry were teammates in St. Louis and again in Seattle in 1999. Bell’s playing career spanned 12 season and six teams. He appeared in games at five different positions but was used primarily as a third baseman. He retired from playing in 2006.

The Cardinals previously announced that all other members of their 2013 coaching staff would be returning next season.